I am color obsessed so I am automatically drawn to fruits and vegetables in vibrant hues. The cool thing is that often the more intense the color, the healthier the food. Beauty foods that are packed with nutrients come in bold reds, rich purples and pinks, deep greens, vivid yellows and oranges, and strong blues.
Over the years, I’ve found my best foods for increased energy and beautiful skin. I make a point to try to eat what is fresh and in season. I love to stock up at the farmers’ market or pick from my backyard garden, where I plant tomatoes, kale, cucumbers, zucchini, and lots of fresh herbs.
And when you are putting together a plate of food, think as much about eating a variety of colors as types of food. Each color group features different nutrients, so the more variation you have, the more balanced the meal. Create plates filled with a variety of colors, textures, and tastes.
Here are my must-have beauty foods:
BERRIES
Blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries are full of fiber and antioxidants. They are sweet enough to satisfy a sugar craving and you can sprinkle them with cinnamon to create a favorite dessert of mine.
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
This is an ingredient nearly everyone has in their kitchen, but it also doubles as a health and beauty remedy helping to reduce bloating, clear skin, and make the body more alkaline. To consume, mix one small spoonful with a glass of water.
FLAXSEED, HEMP SEEDS, CHIA SEEDS
I put these seeds into pretty much everything — smoothies, oatmeal, and desserts. They are all full of protein, fiber, and omega-3s.
HYDRATING FOODS
Another way to hydrate is to eat foods with high water content. Cucumber is 96 percent water (the highest water content of any solid food). Other foods that are more than 90 percent water include tomatoes, watermelon, and radishes.
GREEN POWDERS
A scoop of green nutrient powder mixed with a glass of water is a great way to start the day and make my system more alkaline and less acidic. I created my EVOLUTION_18 Superfood Powder with a blend of over 30 fruits and vegetables, including chlorella, broccoli, kale, spinach, green cabbage, and parsley. This powder also has prebiotic fiber, collagen, and a blend of healthy fats from coconut oil, avocaod oil, and flaxseed oil.
ORGANIC WHEY POWDER
This super-clean protein is a go-to for me. I put it in a shaker bottle with water or coconut or almond milk. I also make a mean protein-filled hot cocoa with chocolate whey, coconut milk, cacao, cinnamon, and a sprinkle of ground red pepper for kick. My EVOLIUTION_18 Energizing Chocolate checks all the boxes.
PEPPERMINT
Great for digestion and vitality, peppermint is a refreshing touch when infused in water, sprinkled on fruit, or blended into smoothies.
VEGETABLES
The majority of my diet is vegetables. I eat a ton of salads, raw veggies as snacks, and steamed vegetables as sides. I add frozen spinach and kale (both filled with antioxidants and fiber) to my morning smoothies. I also drink green juice when I need an afternoon pick-me-up— it works better than caffeine.
WATER
Water is a game changer for your body, brain, and beauty. Your skin looks more plump and fresh when you are hydrated. Water also flushes out toxins, which seriously improves the appearance of your skin.
LEMONS
Lemon juice mixed into a glass of water cleanses, alkalizes, and adds an immunity-boosting dose of vitamin C. Before you eat breakfast, squeeze half a lemon into a glass of water to get the maximum benefits.
COCONUT OIL
Rich in good saturated fats that are great for health and skin, coconut oil also reduces inflammation. To work it into your diet, mix it into a smoothie, cook with it, or drink a spoonful daily